A study of more than 1,000 people with chronic hepatitis C has shed some less-than-flattering light on the effects of peginterferon treatment, according to reports from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although peginterferon alfa-2a reduced levels of liver enzymes, viral load, and liver inflammation, maintenance treatment didn't slow or prevent the progression of serious liver disease. Indeed, patients in the treatment and control arms had similar rates of all the main outcomes studied, including ascites, encephalopathy, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death.
   Among treated patients, 17 percent stopped peginterferon treatment within 18 months and 30 percent stopped within 2 years--most citing such adverse effects as infection, musculoskeletal effects, or digestive problems.
   These findings come from the clinical trial known as Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C), which is funded by the NIH. The study looked particularly at patients with chronic hepatitis C and severe liver disease who hadn't responded to standard therapy.

Home - Guest Registry - Customer Service

Brought to you by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
For help on how you should use this site, see our Disclaimer .

© Copyright 2008 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins